Revealed: Why Ben Stokes Was Not A Part Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction

Rajgeeta Yadav

Ben Stokes reveals the reason why he skipped the IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Ben Stokes reveals the reason why he skipped the IPL 2025 mega auction [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

Many English players entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with high hopes. The auction, held in Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, on November 24 and 25, saw notable absences, including England’s star all-rounder Ben Stokes. His decision to skip the auction means he won’t be participating in the IPL until at least 2026, when he’ll be 35 years old.

Why Ben Stokes Opted Out Of IPL 2025 Mega Auction?

Stokes, who missed the IPL 2024 season due to injury and workload management, decided not to register for this year’s auction despite his history of being one of the league’s most expensive players. Under the new IPL rules, overseas players must register for the auction to remain eligible for future seasons. Stokes’ choice to focus on his international career instead of the IPL was clear.

“[There is] just so much cricket. There’s no hiding behind the fact that I’m at the back-end of my career. I obviously want to play as long as I possibly can. Looking after my body and looking after myself as much as I can is key to that,” Stokes told BBC.

Stokes has had a significant impact in the IPL. Across 43 matches, the left-handed batter scored 920 runs at an impressive strike rate of 134.50, including two centuries and two fifties. He previously played for Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings.

Stokes Set To Play SA20

Although skipping the IPL, Stokes will participate in the SA20, South Africa’s T20 league, for the first time. The tournament runs from January 9 to February 8 and offers a shorter schedule compared to the IPL’s two-month season. This makes it easier for Stokes to balance franchise cricket with his England commitments.

“It’s about prioritizing games. I’m playing in South Africa this year, but I also want to wear the England shirt for as long as I can.”

Stokes’ decision to skip the IPL 2024 was primarily to recover from knee surgery and a torn hamstring, along with managing his workload after a tough Test series in India. Under the IPL’s updated rules, withdrawing from the tournament after being purchased at the auction without a valid injury reason could ban them for 2 IPL seasons.